Steve Comus' Blog

For hunters, Remington’s new Model 700 XCR II centerfire rifle ties ruggedness and its imperviousness to the elements like wet and cold into a really high-performance package.

In 2005, Remington introduced the Model 700 XCR with what the company called TriNyte Corrosion Control, which is Remington’s patented process for corrosion and abrasion resistance. We’re talking tough metal finish here.

The new Model 700 XCR II takes that theme to a whole new level in a multi-step process that starts with a 416 stainless steel barreled action that is machinable but not particularly corrosion resistant.

First, there is a base layer of electroless nickel plate added, which makes the finish impervious to the elements, but leaves it relatively soft.

So, the next step is what is called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), which provides a diamond like abrasion resistance. That PVD finish then is turned to black, which results in a low glare, stealthy look.

The barreled action and all other exposed metal parts are given the Tri-Nyte finish before being bedded in an OD green stock with black Hogue Overmold inserts in the forend and grip areas.

In standard calibers, magazine capacity is four plus one, and the rifle has a 24-inch barrel, which gives it an overall length of 44 ½ inches at a nominal weight of 7 3/8 pounds. MSRP is $930.

In magnum chamberings, the magazine capacity is three plus one, and the rifle has a 26-inch barrel, which gives it an overall length of 46 ½ inches at a nominal weight of 7 5/8 pounds. MSRP is $956 for most magnums, and $1,005 for WSM chamberings.

The 10th offering of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Limited Edition is also a Model 700 XCR II with 26-inch barrel chambered for .300 Remington Ultra Magnum. It features a laser engraved floorplate, and a portion of the proceeds from sales of the rifle are donated to RMEF. MSRP is $1,065.

Finally, there is a Model 700 CDL Stainless Fluted Limited rifle that is the fifth offering in the CDL SF Limited line. It features a 24-inch fluted barrel in .280 Remington, with .280 Remington engraved floorplate and “Limited” engraved on the left rear receiver bridge. MSRP is $1,132.

The important thing to pay attention to here with Remington, as well as with other gunmakers, is that they going into the high performance, high-tech, weatherproof and arena for virtually every kind of arm, whether it is rifle, shotgun or handgun.

There are a couple of reasons for this, not the least of which is that they are doing it because they can. And the market is demanding it. Hunters hunt hard these days, and their gear has to stand up to the challenges.

Steve Comus is a nationally recognized hunting editor with Safari Club International and a former WON Guns and Hunting Editor. His column appears every other week in WON and he can be reached at scomus@cox.net.